Russian Crystal

Fine Russian crystal belongs to that noble category of applied art which includes fine porcelain, quality metalwork, fine painting and more. Production of blown glass vessels, window glass and glass jewelry was mastered in the 11-13th centuries at Kiev. Moscow recorded her first glassworks around 1639, after which the center for Russian glassmaking shifted to St. Petersburg in the second decade of the 18th century. Prince A.D. Menshikov owned two fine glasshouses as early as 1717. To keep up with fashions of the time, a new specialist craft was developed to produce portraits, emblems and monograms on crystal glass. Cutting houses sparked master engravers to go outside the ordinary to produce heraldic eagles, architectural landscapes, detailed portraits and allegorical compositions. Production was defined by the requests of the Imperial court. By 1800 there were over fifty glasshouses in Russia but most produced plain and simple objects for everyday use.

To display glass tastefully, a well-lit cabinet is preferable. Glass should always be kept in pristine condition, washed, and rubbed very dry until it sparkles. Don't store liquid in crystal for a long time, as it can create a difficult-to-remove ring. All crystal below is over 24% leaded crystal and made in Russia in the early 1990s.

Scroll down to see the full selection. Most items one-of-a-kind.


Click on the image for a closeup view.
Drinking Horn-of-Plenty
A gorgeous piece of art house crystal. Fill her up, then drink until empty!
Ribbons of faceted circles and grape leaf patterns. Light cobalt blue glass. Almost 15" long.
$389.
[#CR-HRN2.] One only.


Click on the image for a closeup view.
Russian Crown Shot Glasses.
Celebrate any occasion in style with these Russian crystal shot glasses.
Each faceted glass is skillfully engraved with the Russian Royal Crown. About 2½" tall.
$20.
[#CR-RCSH8.] One only.


Click on the image for a closeup view.
Brandy Snifter.
Drink your favorite brandy in elegant style with an oversized and heavyweight
colorless clear crystal snifter. Decorated with an engraved grape and leaf motif.
About 6" tall and 1½ pounds.
$149.
[#CR-BRSN2.] 1 only.


Click on the image for a closeup view.
Russian Crystal Grafin.
A striking Russian double-headed eagle engraved on an elegant etched decanter.
Very fine etching throughout. Smooth flat base and a dot-in-diamond decorated stopper. 7" tall.
Sorry, sold.
[#CR-GRF3.] One only.


Exquisite Russian Crystal | Crystal Glasses with Etched Eagles


How to Order
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The Russian Shop / Maison Russe
1720 Ogden Ave
Lisle IL 60532
1-800-778-9404